Miller County Prepares for Runoff for Sheriff and JP 7

As election night came to a close on May 24, it was quickly apparent that two county offices would head into a runoff. The office of Sheriff will see Stephen Ward and Wayne Easley as candidates for the runoff, while JP 7 will see Roy Pitt and Jeffery Page in a runoff.

Ward and Easley have both maintained positive and friendly campaigns, and that attitude seems to have appealed to many voters. There have been several comments on social media along the lines of "We have two good men running, and it's hard to decide," and "Both these guys are great...I just don't know who I should vote for now." Comments, and support, have been relatively positive for both, and it has not hurt either campaign for the two candidates to appear in pictures and publications together. The only thing certain is that on June 21, one of these two great candidates will be elected as the Republican nominee for Sheriff. Having no Democrat opponent, the winner in June will win in November and be sworn in as Miller County Sheriff on January 1, 2023.

The race for Justice of the Peace 7 presents a unique set of problems for the candidates, the elections commission, and the state. Early in the race, candidate Jeffery Page withdrew from the race for JP 7. Unfortunately, he withdrew after the ballots had already been printed. According to state law, Page's name would remain on the ballot. The three-way race for JP 7 resulted in the planned runoff between Page and Pitt. The state and the elections commission are reviewing Arkansas law to determine how to handle a Page win on election day. The only thing clear is that Page can not be elected to the position. Should he win the Republican nomination, keeping in mind there is no Democrat opponent, a vacancy would be declared. Some laws seem to indicate that the Governor could appoint a JP; however, other laws suggest that the Miller County Republican Committee would elect the position. It's important to stress that the state and the elections commission, along with attorneys working with both, are still trying to determine precisely what avenue must be followed according to law. Currently, the idea the Governor would appoint or the committee would appoint is still subject to a final ruling by the state. In a best-case scenario for the county, Pitt would win. Even if he wins, Page can not assume the nomination because he has officially withdrawn.